Substrate for cichlid tank.

[Voorhee]

was wondering what a good substrate would be to use in my new 65gal 48X18X20 tank..

im looking to use a substrate to buffer ph to around 8.0.. for african cichlids..

my tap water comes out of tap around 7.4-7.6 sitting over night..

any suggestions..


Thanks!!

 

[BlueIce]

i used crushed coral under my gravel to boost the ph...

 

[yhbae]

If you can confirm that your pH is 7.6, you can get away without raising the pH of your tank for your mbuna. What is your KH value?

 

[Voorhee]

kh 4

 

[yhbae]

kh 4

That is a little on the low side... You are probably better off getting either buffering substrate (e.g. crushed coral as mentioned already or some african substrate mix) as you asked originally, or add some baking soda/epsom salt to buffer your water.